"The Cabot" Train 19 Montreal Bound - James River, Nova ScotiaSummer 1967
"The Cabot" was a train Inaugurated in 1967 that ran between Sydney, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec for Canada's Expo. "The Cabot's" first run was 1 June, 1967 from each City.
It took the train about 24 hrs to run Westbound and around 26 hrs to operate Eastbound. Along the route Sleeping Cars were added or removed at Moncton & Edmonston, New Brunswick.
"The Cabot" Train 19 Montreal Bound - James River, Nova ScotiaSummer 1967
I remember the day these pictures were taken. It was the middle of summer, I believe July and Mum, Dad, Edie and I went to the James River for a picnic. I still remember we had Fried Chicken which Mum made along with Potato Salad and some cool fruit juice to drink. Mum & Dad had a thermos of Tea.
Dad knew "The Cabot" was soon to arrive and he looked at me and said it was soon time. The train stopped in town around 1212 hrs and would be in the James River about 20 minutes later.
The day Dad took these pictures, it was really hot and humid. I do remember this more than anything else. The breeze was even warm. I can still feel the warm humid air if I close my eyes and hear the bugs buzzing in the air. And being next to the railway tracks the temperature was even hotter because of the steel rails. Looking at the last picture, you can actually see the hot air and haze against the trees on the high hill.
These pictures are some of my favorite pictures that my Dad took. I think more so because Dad and I were together by ourselves when Dad took these pictures and my Dad was sharing one of his loves with me. This is one of the first times I can remember Dad and I watching a train together.
"The Cabot" Train 19 Montreal Bound - James River, Nova ScotiaSummer 1967
"The Cabot" was a full compliment train. It ran with every type of accommodation available to the travelling Canadian back in 1967. A passenger could settle for a seat in a "Day Coach" to a "Drawing Room" in the Sleeping Car. Sleeping accommodation ranged from the Uppers and Lower Berth, Open Sections, Roomettes, Bedrooms, Compartments to Drawing Rooms.
If you were hungry, a trip to the Lunch Counter Car to the Full Dining Car would satisfy the hungriest traveler. In fact the Canadian National was so desperate for equipment to run for Expo 67, it took out of storage sleepers, diners and lounges that dated to the 1920's.
The Canadian National was also looking South of the border and leased passenger equipment from the American Roads, who had surplus equipment. Not only did the Canadian National purchase, Sleeping Cars from the "New York Central" and "Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific", the CNR leased Sleeping cars, Dome Sleeping Cars, Buffet Sleepers, from the "Great Northern, "Norfolk & Western", "Baltimore & Ohio", "Rock Island", "Nickel Plate Road", and "Erie-Lackawana" "The Cabot" even ran with three leased Dining Cars Tarboro, Greenville, and Fitzgerald. from the ACL "Atlantic Coast Line".**
Schedule for "The Cabot" Summer 1967.From Canadian National System Timetable - Summer 1967.
Equipment operated on "The Cabot" From Canadian National System Timetable - Summer 1967
** With Thanks for the following information provided from
"A National Passenger Chronicle - Series Premiere"
Dale Wilson
Nickel Belt Rails
Till the next time.
All Aboard
"The Old Fart"
5 Whistle{s}:
I love these pictures not just for the trains and the history, but also the landscape behind them.
I had to highlight the writing to read the black text against the dark brown background.
Color of Font has been changed. It should be easier to read now.
Yes. Yea! (And thank you. I am not old, but my eyes are getting there ...)
I find your blog very interesting. My Grandfather and Great Uncle Archie Chisholm owned the land at Brierly Brook where many of your Photographs are taken. I spent almost every summer their as a child.My Grandfather worked for the CPR for 49 years and we traveled by train to Antigonish many many times. Your blog is like a family photo album to me.
Hi Anonymous
I am glad you found my blog I have for my Dad's train pictures. I do hope you will stop by again, and also visit my other blogs.
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